Wonder exec opens Fast Casual Executive Summit with keynote about growth, evolution

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Jason Rusk gave the keynote address at the Fast Casual Executive Summit in Denver Aug. 13. Rusk spoke about the rapidly evolving world of fast-casuals, and how…

Smoothie King expanding in Colorado

October 14, 2024

Smoothie King is expanding its Colorado footprint with two openings and six commitments within the state. The expansion comes on the heels of five openings…

Velvet Taco making international debut in London

October 14, 2024

Dallas-based Velvet Taco, which has 50 locations in the U.S., is making its international debut in London, opening in Soho in Spring 2025.

QSRNext session to delve into current menu trends

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

A session at #QSRNext will look into current and future menu trends that can take your menu from ho-hum to a humdinger.

Fazoli’s breaking breadsticks in Utah

October 11, 2024

FAT Brands Inc., the parent company of Fazoli's, and 17 other restaurant concepts, has signed a development agreement with franchisee Valor Acquisitions Group…

Crazy Pita launches crowdfunding campaign

October 11, 2024

Las Vegas-based Crazy Pita Rotisserie & Grill is launching a crowdfunding campaign with Andes Capital and CrowdCheck as part of a national expansion…

Rusty Taco hires marketing director, operational support

October 10, 2024

Rusty Taco has added three executives to its leadership team including the appointment of the brand's director of marketing, Natalie Johnson. Roland Wayment…

C-store parent company launches 3 virtual restaurant brands

October 10, 2024

EG America, the owner and operator of over 1,500 convenience stores, including the Certified Oil, Cumberland Farms, Fastrac, Kwik Shop, Loaf N' Jug, Minit…

Lunchbox CEO launches FoodFriends.io

October 10, 2024

The app allows food professionals to easily connect.

Carl L Karcher Group opening 20 Pepper Lunch units

October 9, 2024

Pepper Lunch, a Japanese-born experiential fast casual concept with over 500 locations in 15 countries, has signed a 20-unit deal with the Carl L. Karcher…

Little Caesars franchisee gone to the dogs

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Vicki Dunn-Marshall owns more than 60 Little Caesars units. Her philanthropy project is Pizza Paws, which raises money for police K-9 units.

3 ways to help franchisees navigate rising real estate costs

Craig Dunaway, chief operating officer of Penn Station, shares the strategies he uses to help franchise owners make smart location choices.

Canadian breakfast concept expanding in US, UK

October 8, 2024

Canada's Fluffy Fluffy, an all-day brunch and breakfast cafe serving Japanese-style souffle pancakes, is adding locations by year's end to New York and New…

Tocaya launches individual boxed meals to elevate catering

October 8, 2024

Tocaya Modern Mexican is expanding its catering menu with individual boxed meals featuring three entree options:

Beef-A-Roo beefing up Kansas, Missouri presence

October 8, 2024

Beef-a-Roo is opening locations in Pittsburg, Kansas, and Joplin, Missouri, by year's end.

Perkins debuting fast casual concept

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Featuring a streamlined design and an elevated cafe experience, the 1,500-square-foot restaurant is half the size of a standard Perkins.

How catering can become next great revenue stream

October 8, 2024

As the U.S. catering market continues to surge, reaching an estimated $70 billion, restaurants are increasingly turning their attention to catering. With more…

Besties opening Toastique in Northern California

October 8, 2024

Toastique, a gourmet toast and juice cafe founded in Washington D.C., is expanding to Northern California with its first location in Danville opening by year's…

Boorito is back at Chipotle

October 8, 2024

Chipotle Mexican Grill's Halloween tradition of giving discounts to loyalty members dressed in costumes on Halloween — Boorito — is back. Chipotle Rewards…

Gong cha focuses on quality of tea, customer service

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Bubble tea concept Gong cha focuses on the quality of its products and the happiness of its customers.